Certifying and Maintaining Equipment

BAR Equipment Certification Process

Equipment used to perform Smog Checks in California must be certified by BAR
before it can be used. Click on one of the options below to learn how manufacturers
can get their equipment certified for use in California.

Maintaining Your Equipment

As a shop owner, it is your responsibility to keep all required tools and equipment in proper working order. Contact the manufacturer of your equipment
and tools for specific
information on how they should be maintained.
Please be advised, BAR does not provide specific maintenance information and does not intervene in disputes.

Stations: Ignoring a broken or malfunctioning Emissions Inspection System (EIS), or failing to understand its proper use, can result in disqualification
from the STAR Program. It is your responsibility to ensure your EIS is functioning properly and to diagnose and repair any faulty equipment promptly. Contact the manufacturer of your EIS immediately if your
equipment exhibits any of the following faulty behaviors or is otherwise not operating correctly:

Freezes up regularly

Spontaneously aborts during a Smog Check inspection

Requires daily calibrations

Often requires multiple calibration attempts before a vehicle will pass

Gives erroneous RPM readings

Equipment Help

For general questions regarding the Smog Check Program and/or equipment requirements, contact the BAR Service Desk, 866-860-8509.

Smog Check Station Audits and Inspections

BAR routinely conducts audits and inspections of stations across the State to verify the proper functionality
and accuracy of emissions testing equipment used in the Smog Check Program. When defective or improperly functioning emissions analyzer equipment is identified, BAR staff work with the station to ensure necessary corrections are made.

A Smog Check station audit and inspection includes the following:

Visual Inspection - examination of all peripheral hardware attached to the emissions analyzer, including inspection of calibration gases and zero air

Functional Inspection - examination of the functionality of the emissions analyzer, including calibration and leak checks as necessary

Gas Audit - introduction of certified gas values into the emissions analyzer sample system to ensure equipment is operating within acceptable tolerances

Inspection Report - documentation provided to stations at the conclusion of the audit and inspection that identifies any problems that require correction